Reason #4: Como Park Zoo & ConservatoryAcres of amazing park, a golf course, a lake, a massive outdoor performance pavilion, some of the best sledding in St. Paul, a new pool being built, a world class conservatory, and a FREE zoo make this little gem in the middle of St. Paul a destination not to be missed! It also hosts the Annual July 4 Hmong Freedom Celebration and Soccer Tournament.

Reason #6: Harriet IslandSwimming, boating, fishing, restaurants, and the trailhead to miles and miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails right on the Mississippi River. Could you get any cooler?

Reason #7: Ax-Man SurplusNeed to pick up 100 baby legs, an iron lung, and a laser sight for your tank? Look no further. Sure there are other Ax-Mans elsewhere in the Twin Cities, but you can't beat the atmosphere and general weirdness of the original. Pay close attention to the hand-drawn signs- created by store employees, they're not to be missed!

Reason #8:Grand Avenue & Grand Old DaysFirst-rate shopping and food, character, and charm are all to be found in this beautiful, historic neighborhood of St. Paul. And once a year they pull out the stops at their annual Grand Old Day Celebration, where folks from all over the state gather, drink, listent to music, and shop in St. Paul's first rite of summer.

Reason #9:The St. Paul Winter CarnivalWhile much of the rest of Minnesota goes into hibernation for the winter, St. Paul folks have a party! A treasure hunt, ice palaces, cultural celebrations, ice sculptures, and a giant snow slide! Past carnivals even included rides on sleighs pulled by bears and moose, and a toboggan slide where riders would clock in at around 80 miles per hour.

Reason #10: The Ordway Center for the Performing ArtsHost to the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Shubert Club and presenter of major Broadway shows, this world-class opera house in the center of downtown St. Paul is a hotspot for arts and culture.

Reason #11:Swede HollowThis quiet little ravine on the east side practically drips in history. Massive oaks, the foundations of old chimneys, and an old train trestle are some of the only things left where many of Minnesota's very first settlers set up camp (literally) when they first arrived in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Reason #12: The St. Patrick's Day ParadeIt's common knowledge that everyone in St. Paul is just a little bit Irish. This annual celebration and parade just confirms it. Cool.

Reason #13: Summit AvenueWhen money moved to Minnesota, it moved to Summit Avenue. You could spend hours just walking down sidewalks of this spectacular street, admiring Minnesota's most grandiose and elegant homes, including the massive James J. Hill House.

Reason #14: Parks, parks, and parks!Over 170 parks and open spaces fill St. Paul, as well as 17 miles of Mississippi Riverfront. Beaches, 100 miles of trails, 4 municipal golf courses, and countless baseball fields and hockey rinks riddle the capitol city.Reason #15: The Saint Paul Saints

Professional baseball you can actually afford to bring the whole family to- cool! These guys capture the true community spirit of the game, and that pig of theirs- there isn't a cooler animal in the cities!Reason #16: The PeopleIf there's one thing everyone in St. Paul has, it's CHARACTER. From the East Side to Summit Hill to Saint Anthony, everyone you meet in St. Paul has something unique and exciting about them. Just stop in at any St. Paul coffee shop, car repair place, library, coffee shop, or anywhere else, and you'll meet people that are amazingly down-to-earth, friendly, helpful, and fun. VERY cool.

Special thanks to all the St. Paul folks who contributed to this list! Stay tuned for more!